Protests in Albania: Students Organize and the People Point Finger at the Officials

Featured image: Photo from the student protest. Source: CNA

Student protests have continued in Tirana, extending a mobilization that had already run for more than three weeks. On November 2, students gathered at the Polytechnic University of Tirana and the Faculty of History and Philology, entering lecture halls and urging classmates to boycott classes. Reports said demonstrations affected multiple university faculties, indicating that the campaign was continuing on campuses as well as in the streets.

That day, demonstrators also gathered on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard near the prime minister’s office. Authorities reportedly fined 16 people 5,000 lek (around $61.30 USD) each in connection with demonstrations there on October 28. Criminal proceedings against several minors are also underway.

On November 4, another demonstration took place outside Prime Minister Edi Rama’s office, demanding his resignation. The demonstrators blocked a police van, police used tear gas, which caused more resistance.